Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: Breaking Down the First Month of 2016-17

By Jordan Maly

Nov 30, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers coach Tom Crean coaches on the sidelines against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeats North Carolina 76-67. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers coach Tom Crean coaches on the sidelines against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeats North Carolina 76-67. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeated Mississippi Valley State 85-52. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeated Mississippi Valley State 85-52. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Uncertain

Josh Newkirk

The former Pittsburgh transfer has seen his first action with Indiana this season. After agreeing to transfer, Newkirk had to sit out last season in order to maintain eligibility.

Surprisingly, Newkirk has been slotted into Tom Crean’s starting lineup in most of the games in November. While the offense has not all been there in the first few games, Newkirk provides another avenue as a three point threat.

Some weaknesses in Newkirk’s game have been identified early on though. A few mistakes with handling the ball late in games has many questioning what he can provide for IU moving forward. The most prevalent of the concerns comes with turning the ball over. Newkirk ranks second behind Thomas Bryant in turnovers with 18 coming into December.

It will take time for Josh Newkirk to fully adjust to the way that Indiana plays, and still uncertain whether or not he can provide productive minutes late in games. If he wants to continue seeing starter minutes, he will need to find a way to limit the turnovers and create open opportunities for others to score.

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